If you’ve been eyeing your motorcycle thinking, “It would look way sleeker without that bulky stock fender,” you’re definitely not alone. One of the simplest, most rewarding mods you can make is installing a fender eliminator kit. Not only does it clean up the back end of your bike, but it also gives it that aggressive, custom look without a massive hit to your wallet—or your Saturday afternoon.
Good news: with the right kit and a little patience, you can install a fender eliminator in under an hour. Even if you’re not a seasoned mechanic, this is a totally approachable DIY project. Let’s walk through it together.
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What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving into the install, make sure you have the right tools and setup. Trust me, scrambling to find a missing socket mid-install is a surefire way to turn this into a two-hour job.
You’ll typically need:
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A basic socket set (metric sizes usually)
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Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
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Allen wrenches
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Wire cutters/strippers
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Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
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Zip ties
Some kits also require minor wiring for the license plate light, so it’s smart to have a soldering iron handy if you want the cleanest finish. But don’t stress—most modern kits make it pretty plug-and-play.
Choosing the Right Fender Eliminator Kit
Not all kits are created equal. Some are straightforward bolt-on replacements, while others require a little creative problem-solving. Brands like Evotech, R&G Racing, and Competition Werkes are known for making kits that are both durable and easy to install.
When picking a kit, check if it:
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Comes with an LED license plate light (some states require this)
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Has a good bracket for your turn signals—or includes integrated lighting
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Matches your bike’s make, model, and year exactly (even slight year differences can change mounting points)
I once made the rookie mistake of buying a "universal fit" eliminator for my Ducati. Sure, it technically fit, but after hours of drilling and adjusting, I wished I had just bought the model-specific one. Lesson learned.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installation
Alright, the fun part! Here's the breakdown:
1. Remove the Stock Fender
Start by unscrewing the bolts underneath the fender. These usually hold the entire assembly in place, including the license plate and indicators. Gently lower the fender but don’t yank it off—there will almost always be wires still connected for the lights.
Pro tip: snap a few photos of the wiring before you disconnect anything. Future you will be grateful.
2. Disconnect the Wiring
Carefully unplug the wiring harnesses for your license plate light and turn signals. If your connectors are stubborn, use a small flathead screwdriver to pry them gently. Avoid pulling the wires directly—you want to be working smarter, not harder.
If your eliminator kit comes with its own wiring, you’ll either plug it into the existing harness or splice it in. Most modern kits have plug-and-play connectors now, but older bikes might need a bit of DIY wiring.
3. Install the Fender Eliminator Bracket
Mount the new bracket using the hardware provided. Make sure everything lines up correctly before tightening down the bolts. It’s easier to make small adjustments now than after everything is torqued.
Double-check the bracket is level and centered. An off-kilter plate might not seem like a big deal until you realize every person you ride behind is silently judging you.
4. Attach the License Plate and Light
Bolt your license plate to the bracket and connect the new license plate light wiring. If splicing is required, match the colors (usually black for ground and red for power), twist them neatly together, and cover them securely with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
This is the one part you really don’t want to rush. A poorly wired plate light might seem minor until you end up getting pulled over one night.
5. Reconnect the Turn Signals (If Needed)
If your kit retains the stock turn signals, now’s the time to mount them onto the new bracket and reconnect their wiring. Some eliminators come with integrated LED turn signals, which look ultra-slick but might require resistors or a relay to prevent hyper-flashing.
6. Test Everything Before Final Tightening
Before you button everything up, turn on your bike and check:
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Brake lights
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Turn signals
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License plate light
If anything’s not working, double-check your connections. It's much easier to fix now than after everything's bolted down tight.
7. Tidy Up
Use zip ties to neatly bundle any loose wires. Keep everything away from moving parts like the chain, wheel, or suspension. A clean wiring job not only looks better but also prevents future headaches.
Real-World Example: My First Install
When I first installed a fender eliminator on my Yamaha MT-09, I expected it to be a three-hour ordeal. I’d read horror stories online about wiring disasters and misaligned brackets.
But thanks to a well-designed kit and a little prep work (plus a solid playlist), the whole thing took just 45 minutes from start to finish.
And the transformation? Instant. The bike looked lighter, sharper, and way more aggressive. Friends even asked if I had gotten a "new" bike.
That’s the magic of small mods: they offer huge visual payoffs with minimal investment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Rushing the wiring: Even if everything fits perfectly, sloppy wiring can lead to shorts or dead lights later.
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Over-tightening bolts: Aluminum and plastic parts can crack if you crank down too hard. Snug, not Hulk-strength.
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Forgetting to check the laws: Some states have strict rules about plate angles, visibility, or lighting. A quick check online can save you a ticket.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Installing a fender eliminator is one of those mods that punches way above its weight class. It’s affordable, fast, and dramatically changes your bike’s look. Plus, doing it yourself builds your mechanical confidence for future projects.
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If you prep right, stay patient, and double-check your work, you’ll be back on the road in under an hour—with a bike that looks leaner, meaner, and 100% more custom.
Actionable Tips:
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Invest in a quality, model-specific kit to save yourself time and hassle.
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Take "before" photos of your wiring and setup for easy reassembly.
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Always test your lights before finishing the install.
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Keep your stock parts—you never know if you’ll need to swap them back someday.
At the end of the day, the satisfaction of looking at your freshly cleaned-up rear end and knowing you made it happen? Totally worth every minute.